Covering device for a container

ABSTRACT

A covering device for a container ( 1 ) with a rim ( 2 ), in particular a drink can, a yogurt cup, a glass, or the like, with a lid ( 4 ) adapted for pivoting about an axis ( 3 ), and a holder ( 5 ) that is used for arranging the device on the container, is designed and constructed with respect to a safe arrangement on any type of container ( 1 ) with a rim ( 2 ) such that the holder ( 5 ) comprises a clamping element ( 6 ) and a counter support ( 7 ) cooperating with the clamping device ( 6 ), and that the rim ( 2 ) can be pressed by the clamping element ( 6 ) against the counter support ( 7 ).

[0001] The invention relates to a covering device for a container with arim, in particular a drink can, a yogurt cup, a glass, or the like, witha lid adapted for pivoting about an axis, and a holder, which is usedfor arranging the device on the container.

[0002] DE 296 00 246 U1 discloses a covering device of the initiallydescribed type. Concretely, the known covering device is used to cover adrink glass. The drink glass includes a rim, which forms the upper endof the glass body. The lid forming a part of the covering device isadapted for pivoting about an axis. To arrange the covering device onthe container, a holder is provided. The holder comprises two parallelextending legs, which receive between them a large portion of the wallof the drink glass.

[0003] However, there also are containers, which have at least in theirclosed state no accessible, large-surface wall, such as, for example, adrink can. Since such drink cans have in most cases a short upper edgethat extends only to a small extent in the vertical direction, they donot permit a safe arrangement of the known covering device.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to describe acovering device for a container with a rim, with the covering devicepermitting a safe arrangement with constructionally simple means on anytype of container with a rim.

[0005] The foregoing object is accomplished by a covering device withthe characterizing features of claim 1. Accordingly, a covering deviceof the initially described type is improved and further developed insuch a manner that the holder comprises a clamping element and a countersupport cooperating with the clamping element, and that the rim canpressed by the clamping element against the counter support.

[0006] In accordance with the invention, it has been recognized that asafe arrangement of a covering device is also possible exclusively onthe rim of a container, without having to use large areas of thecontainer wall. To this end, the holder comprises in a further manner inaccordance with the invention a clamping element and a counter supportcooperating therewith. In this case, the clamping element is adapted forpressing the rim against the counter support. Thus, only the rim of thecontainer is used for arranging the covering device on the container.

[0007] Consequently, the covering device of the present inventiondenotes a covering device, which enables with simple constructionalmeans a safe arrangement on any type of container with a rim.

[0008] As regards a particularly safe arrangement of the covering deviceon the container, the clamping element could include two clamping jawsthat are adapted for movement within a plane. Preferably, the planecould be the plane of the rim. Contrary to the covering device knownfrom the art, the covering device is secured in place on the containernot by locking in the vertical direction—namely along the containerwall—but in the horizontal direction—namely along the rim. In all cases,the counter support has the function of an abutment for the clampingeffect that is exerted by the clamping element or clamping jaws.

[0009] In a particularly practical manner the clamping element orclamping jaws could be adapted for movement by means of an actuationelement. Concretely, the actuation element could include two levers,each acting upon a clamping jaw. By means of the levers, the clampingjaws are basically biased in order to press subsequently upon the rim asa result of their inherent elasticity with the cooperation of thecounter support. This clamping principle is however also realizedwithout an actuation element or lever.

[0010] As regards a particularly effective lever action, it would bepossible to arrange the levers in the plane of the clamping jaws. Thiswould avoid bending moments in undesired directions with componentsperpendicular to the plane.

[0011] Furthermore, with respect to a particularly simple actuation ofthe levers, the levers could be spaced such that they can be grippedwith the fingers of one hand, thereby realizing a one-hand operation ofthe covering device.

[0012] As regards a particularly safe arrangement of the clamping jawsrelative to each other, the clamping jaws could be interconnected via acoupling member, thereby accomplishing quasi an optimal cooperation ofthe clamping jaws. Concretely, it would be possible to arrange theclamping jaws and the coupling member along a curved line. Such a linecould be a portion of a circle.

[0013] To ensure a particularly large engagement surface between the rimand clamping element, the clamping element or the clamping jaws, and/orthe coupling member could be adapted to the curvature of the rim,thereby ensuring in essence a surface contact.

[0014] As regards a particularly safe arrangement of the covering deviceon the container, the clamping element or clamping jaws could bedesigned and constructed so as to engage below the rim. This would quasipreclude the holder or clamping element from unintentionally slippingaway from the container.

[0015] During its action as an abutment, the counter support could beadapted for engaging the inner side of the rim. In other words, in thisinstance the clamping element presses from the outside against the rimof the container. However, it is also possible that the clamping elementpresses on the inner side of the rim. In this instance, the countersupport is adapted for engaging the outside of the rim.

[0016] Concretely, the counter support could be formed by a plate-shapedelement, which could preferably be adapted to the curvature of the rim,thereby realizing a constructionally very simple configuration.

[0017] To prevent the holder from slipping away from the rim and, withthat, the entire covering device from the container, the clampingelement, or clamping jaws, and/or counter support could be provided witha special section, a roughened surface, or a coating. This would permitrealizing a yet safer engagement between the holder and the container.In this way, the clamping element, or clamping jaws, and/or the countersupport could be coated as an alternative or in addition with a softplastic or elastomer, with rubber, or a rubberlike material. As aresult, it is possible to further increase the safety of the arrangementof the covering device on the container.

[0018] In a particularly simple manner, the lid and the holder could becoupled by means of a pivot joint. In the alternative, the lid and theholder could be coupled by means of a snap joint. This snap joint couldcomprise a film hinge. In this case, it would be possible to providebetween the lid and holder a connection element, which is stationary,while the lid is being pivoted relative to the container. The connectionelement and the lid could be made integral, while yet permitting the lidto pivot toward the connection element.

[0019] As regards a comfortable pivotal movement of the lid, one couldprovide a stop that limits the pivotal movement of the lid. In otherwords, it would be possible to pivot the lid away from the rim of thecontainer only as far as a certain position.

[0020] Depending on need, the lid could cover the container in part oralso completely. In particular a full covering offers in most cases amaximal protection against insect penetration into the container.

[0021] In a further advantageous manner, the lid could include a sealingdevice for closing the container in a preferably leakproof and/orairtight manner. With that, one would realize not only a covering of thecontainer, which prevents to the greatest extent, for example, insectsfrom penetrating, but also a closure of the container for the freshkeeping of, for example, carbonated drinks. In particular in the case ofa container constructed as a drink can, the sealing device could beadapted to the prestamped opening of the drink can. The sealing devicewould include a preferably annular rubber seal. Furthermore, the sealingdevice could be arranged in the covered state of the container quasiinvisibly below the lid.

[0022] As regards a particularly practical configuration of the coveringdevice, the sealing device could comprise preferably circular sealingmeans along the edge of the underside of the lid. The sealing meanscould be arranged on the lid such that in the closed state of the lid,they abut in surrounding relationship the rim of the container outsideof the container, or the rim of the container inside thereof. In allcases, the container would be sealed. In a particularly advantageousmanner, adhesive or clamping forces could be effective between thecontainer and the sealing means, so that the lid is held in its closedstate by means of the sealing means. The sealing means could be made asa gummed surface, a coating, an O-ring, or the like, thereby enabling aparticularly simple production of a covering device with sealing means.

[0023] As an alternative or in addition, the sealing device couldcomprise sealing means that are adapted to the drink hole of thecontainer. These sealing means could be dimensioned such that they fitinto the drink hole preferably in a wedge-shaped sealing relationship.This will be especially advantageous, when the container is used in thecar, on the road, or otherwise en route.

[0024] As regards a particularly simple production, it would be possibleto make the sealing means from plastic, rubberlike material, or thelike, preferably integral with the lid. The sealing means could be made,for example, in two pieces such that one part of the sealing means isassociated to the drink hole, whereas the other part of the sealingmeans is associated to the lid, and sealingly engages the first sealingmeans in the closed state of the lid.

[0025] With respect to a particularly flexible configuration, the lidcould comprise a predetermined breaking point for piercing the lid witha drink straw. This would be especially of advantage, when the coveringdevice is used en route and/or by children.

[0026] As regards a very satisfactory transportability of containers,which are closed with the covering device, the lid could be constructedsuch that in the closed position of the lid, at least one portion of thelid engages the container, so that the lid is kept in its closedposition. This could be realized, for example, in that a snap mechanismis arranged on the edge of the lid. In particular in combination with asealing device, the container is now especially well protected againstleakage of fluid.

[0027] In an economically especially favorable manner, the lid could beconstructed as a carrier of advertisements or data, with the upper sideof the lid presenting itself for imprinting advertisements.

[0028] As regards a particularly economical production of the coveringdevice, the lid and holder could be made of plastic, preferably by theinjection molding method. In this process, the lid and holder, andpossibly a connection element could be made integral.

[0029] The covering device of the invention is adapted for a safemounting in particular in the case of a drink can with a folded rim.

[0030] There are various possibilities of improving and furtherdeveloping the teaching of the present invention in an advantageousmanner. To this end, one may refer on the one hand to the dependentclaims, on the other hand to the following detailed description of anembodiment of the covering device in accordance with the invention withreference to the drawing. In conjunction with the detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiment of the covering device according to theinvention with reference to the drawing, also generally preferredimprovements and further developments of the teaching are explained. Inthe drawing:

[0031]FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of acovering device according to the invention in a state arranged on adrink can;

[0032]FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional top view of the embodiment of FIG.1 along line II-II of FIG. 1;

[0033]FIG. 3 is a schematic and enlarged side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 in its opened state;

[0034]FIG. 4 is a schematic and enlarged side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 in its closed state;

[0035]FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

[0036]FIG. 6 is a schematic view from the bottom of a further embodimentof a covering device according to the invention with a sealing deviceand a predetermined breaking point for a drink straw.

[0037]FIG. 1 is a schematic and sectional view of an embodiment of acovering device according to the invention for a container 1 with a rim2, with a drink can forming the container 1. The covering devicecomprises a lid 4, which is adapted for pivoting about an axis 3, and aholder 5 for arranging the device on container 1. With respect to a safearrangement of the covering device on any type of container 1 with a rim2, the covering device is designed and constructed such that the holder5 comprises a clamping element 6 and a counter support 7 cooperatingwith clamping element 6, and that the clamping element 6 is adapted forpressing the rim 2 against the counter support 7.

[0038] The clamping element 6 comprises two clamping jaws 8, which aremovable within the plane of rim 2. The clamping jaws 8 engage insurrounding relationship a portion of the rim 2. For biasing oractuating the clamping jaws 8, an actuation device 9 is provided, whichcomprises two levers 10, each acting upon one clamping jaw 8. The levers10 are arranged in the plane of the clamping jaws 8 and spaced from eachother such that they can be gripped with the fingers of one hand.

[0039] To mount the covering device to the container 1, the clampingjaws 8 are first biased by means of levers 10. Subsequently, thecovering device is placed on container 1 with holder 5. In thisinstance, the rim 2 enters a receiving area 11, which is defined on theone hand by counter support 7, and on the other hand by clamping element6. Finally, the clamping jaws 8 are released, which results in that theclamping jaws 8 clamp against rim 2, with the counter support 7 servingas an abutment.

[0040] The lid 4 covers the entire container 1 in the form of a drinkcan. In so doing, it covers in particular an opening device 12 of thedrink can.

[0041]FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional top view of the embodiment of FIG.1 along line II-II thereof. This Figure shows best the configuration ofclamping element 6 of the holder 5. In the mounted state of the coveringdevice, the clamping jaws 8 clamp against the rim 2 of container 1, withthe counter support 7 serving as an abutment. The counter support 7 isarranged on the inner side of rim 2.

[0042] The clamping jaws 8 are formed along a curved line substantiallycorresponding to the curvature of rim 2, with a coupling member 13 beingprovided between the clamping jaws 8. To bias the clamping jaws 8, twoactuation elements 9 are provided in the form of levers 10. For example,when the levers 10 are compressed with two fingers of one hand, theywill open and bias clamping jaws 8. After releasing the levers 10, theclamping jaws 8 will move as a result of their inherent elasticitytoward the rim 2. The possible movements of the actuation elements 9 andclamping jaws 8 are indicated by double arrows.

[0043]FIGS. 3 and 4 are each a schematic side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1, one in the opened state, and one in the closed state of the lid4. The lid 4 and holder 5 are interconnected by a snap joint. The snapjoint is constructed as a film hinge. A reliable closing of a containeris made possible because of the inherent elasticity of the material ofthe film hinge, or holder 5, and lid 4. In this instance, there exists asnap effect. As regards the further components shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 inaddition to the lid 4 and holder 5, the description of FIG. 1 isherewith incorporated by reference for purposes of avoiding repetitions.

[0044]FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Thelid 4 and holder 5 are interconnected to form an integral part. Theclamping jaws 8 of clamping element 6 extend in their released andunassembled state below the lid 4, as is shown in phantom lines. Theclamping jaws 8 are interconnected via a coupling member 13. Theactuation elements 9 in the form of levers 10 are joined to the clampingelement 6 to form likewise an integral part. As a result, the levers 10extend continuously quasi as an extension of the clamping jaws 8.

[0045]FIG. 6 is a schematic view from the bottom of a further embodimentof a covering device according to the invention with a sealing device14, which comprises a circular sealing means that is arranged on theunderside of lid 4. The sealing means is a gummed surface, which isarranged on the lid 4 in such a manner that it lies within container 1against the rim thereof. A predetermined breaking point 15 for piercingthe lid 4 with a drink straw not shown, makes it possible to use thestraw for emptying the container 1.

[0046] As regards further advantageous configurations of the coveringdevice according to the invention, the general part of the specificationas well as the attached claims are herewith incorporated by referencefor avoiding repetitions.

[0047] Finally, it should be explicitly remarked that the foregoingembodiment is used only for describing the claimed teaching in greaterdetail, without however limiting it to the embodiment.

1. Covering device for a container (1) with a rim (2), in particular adrink can, a yogurt cup, a glass, or the like, with a lid (4) adaptedfor pivoting about an axis (3) and a holder (5), which is used forarranging the device on the container (1), characterized in that theholder (5) comprises a clamping element (6) and a counter support (7)cooperating with the clamping element (6), and that the rim (2) can bepressed by the clamping element (6) against the counter support (7). 2.Covering device of claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element(6) comprises two clamping jaws (8), which are movable within a plane,preferably the plane of the rim (2).
 3. Covering device of claim 1 or 2,characterized in that the clamping element (6) or the clamping jaws (8)is or are movable by means of an actuation element (9).
 4. Coveringdevice of claim 3, characterized in that the actuation element (9)comprises two levers (10), each being adapted for acting upon oneclamping jaw (8).
 5. Covering device of claim 4, characterized in thatthe levers (10) are arranged in the plane of the clamping jaws (8). 6.Covering device of claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the levers (10)are spaced from each other such that they can be gripped by the fingersof one hand.
 7. Covering device of one of claims 2-6, characterized inthat the clamping jaws (8) are interconnected via a coupling member(13).
 8. Covering device of claim 7, characterized in that the clampingjaws (8) and the coupling member (13) are arranged in a curved line. 9.Covering device of one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the clampingelement (6), or the clamping jaws (8), and/or the coupling member (13)is or are adapted to the curvature of the rim (2).
 10. Covering deviceof one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the clamping element (6) orthe clamping jaws (8) are constructed so as to engage below the rim (2).11. Covering device of one of claims 1-10, characterized in that thecounter support (7) is adapted for engaging the inner side of the rim(2).
 12. Covering device of one of claims 1-11, characterized in thatthe counter support (7) is formed by a plate-shaped element, that ispreferably adapted to the curvature of the rim (2).
 13. Covering deviceof one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the clamping element (6),or the clamping jaws (8), and/or the counter support (7) is or areprovided with a special section, roughened surface, or coating. 14.Covering device of one of claims 1-14, characterized in that theclamping element (6), or the clamping jaws (8), and/or the countersupport (7) is or are coated with a soft plastic or elastomer, withrubber, or rubberlike material.
 15. Covering device of one of claims1-14, characterized in that the lid (4) and the holder (5) are coupledby means of a pivot joint.
 16. Covering device of one of claims 1-14,characterized in that the lid (4) and the holder (5) are coupled bymeans of a snap joint.
 17. Covering device of claims 16, characterizedin that the snap joint comprises a film hinge.
 18. Covering device ofone of claims 1-17, characterized in that a stop is provided, whichlimits the pivotal movement of the lid (4).
 19. Covering device of oneof claims 1-18, characterized in that the lid (4) covers the container(1) in part or in full.
 20. Covering device of one of claims 1-19,characterized in that the lid (4) comprises a sealing device (14) forclosing the container (1) preferably in a leakproof and/or airtightmanner.
 21. Covering device of claim 20, characterized in that thesealing device (14) comprises preferably circular sealing means on theedge of the underside of the lid (4).
 22. Covering device of claim 21,characterized in that the sealing means are made as a gummed surface,coating, O-ring, or the like.
 23. Covering device of one of claims20-22, characterized in that the sealing device (14) comprises sealingmeans that are adapted to the drink hole of the container (1). 24.Covering device of claim 23, characterized in that the sealing means aredimensioned such that they fit into the drink hole preferably in awedge-shaped sealing relationship.
 25. Covering device of claim 23 or24, characterized in that the sealing means are made of plastic, arubberlike material, or the like, preferably integral with the lid (4).26. Covering device of one of claims 1-25, characterized in that the lid(4) includes a predetermined breaking point (15) for piercing the lid(4) with a drink straw.
 27. Covering device of one of claims 1-26,characterized in that in the closed position of the lid (4) at least oneportion of the lid (4) engages the container (1), so that the lid (4) isheld in its closed position.
 28. Covering device of one of claims 1-27,characterized in that the lid (4) can be used as carrier ofadvertisements and data.
 29. Covering device of one of claims 1-28,characterized in that the lid (4) and the holder (5) are made ofplastic, preferably by the injection molding method.
 30. Covering deviceof one of claims 1-29, characterized in that the lid (4) and the holder(5) are made integral.